Instructor | Executive Producer | Co-Founder, Ground Zero 360Founder, The Finest Federal Credit Union
Paul McCormack retired from the New York City Police Department in 2010 as a Deputy Inspector after a career defined by exceptional promotional performance, command leadership, and operational excellence.
Throughout his NYPD career, he scored in the top 100 on every promotional examination he took, a distinction that reflects both disciplined preparation and a deep understanding of NYPD policy, procedure, and leadership principles.
Promoted to Captain at 29 years of age, Paul commanded some of the Department’s most demanding assignments, including the 41st Precinct in the South Bronx and the 13th Precinct in Lower Manhattan—commands that require strong crime control strategies, personnel management, and decision-making under pressure.
His leadership experience spans patrol operations, investigations, and executive-level command responsibilities.Paul also commanded the Citywide Rape Apprehension Team, where his supervision and strategic direction led to the arrest of four serial rapists operating in New York City. This assignment demanded advanced investigative coordination, inter-unit collaboration, and precise application of NYPD procedure—skills directly relevant to promotional exam success and executive command.
On September 11, 2001, Paul responded to the World Trade Center and worked at Ground Zero for three months. Injuries sustained during this period—including severe eye injuries—ultimately forced his retirement from the NYPD. He is now legally blind, an outcome that underscores both the personal cost of service and his continued commitment to the Department and its members.
Beyond command assignments, Paul demonstrated sustained leadership within the Department community.
He served for 13 years as Chairman of the NYPD Gaelic Football Team, helping to raise millions of dollars for sick and injured members of the service, reinforcing his credibility as a leader invested in the welfare of the rank and file.
Following his retirement, Paul founded The Finest Federal Credit Union, a law-enforcement-focused financial institution serving NYPD members from recruit through retirement. Under his leadership, the credit union has grown to more than 10,000 members and is recognized as the most successful small credit union in New York State.
Paul is also the Co-Founder of Ground Zero 360, a traveling memorial exhibition honoring the victims of September 11, 2001 and supporting their surviving families.
The exhibition has appeared in over 60 cities worldwide during the past 15 years, reflecting a continued commitment to leadership, service, and legacy beyond active duty.
Paul is a graduate of the 196th Session of the FBI National Academy, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and earned a Master’s Degree in Management from New York University—academic credentials that reinforce his practical command experience and exam-focused instruction.
He is married to his wife Nicola and is the proud father of five children.